SAS @ DAL: The world’s best coach is out with the flu and Hall-of-Famer Tim Duncan has a sore knee. That’s certainly a handicap against a well-rested Dallas team that has turned a corner recently. Kawhi Leonard (knee laceration) is also doubtful, with Stephen Jackson his likely replacement. The Spurs will rely heavily on Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, who returned from his hamstring injury with a tentative 17-minute stint on Wednesday, could surprise. Expect another big game from the underrated Tiago Splitter against older, slower Elton Brand and Chris Kaman, but don’t be surprised if the Mavs win and both teams score a hundred.
HOU @ NOH: There’s a big difference between NBA game of the night (with an impact on the standings) and fantasy game of the night, where we anticipate a high-scoring track meet. The future Pelicans have Greivis Vasquez playing the best ball of his career; the Rockets have Jeremy Lin struggling, with heavy-handed coach Kevin McHale eroding his confidence more each day. James Harden will get his numbers, but so will Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson. I’ll take New Orleans for the win and look for bargains from both teams in daily leagues.
GSW @ CHI: All-Star David Lee is only the second-best player on his own team, making Stephen Curry a ridiculous snub. Steph has hit 124 3-pointers at a 45% clip and is completely responsible for the Warriors being the surprise team of the entire league. Will he be extra motivated to ‘prove something’ tonight? No, because he’s always max-effort. The Bulls are strong defensively, with their own All-Star Joakim Noah likely to dominate the paint. This is a tough one to call; I can’t pick a winner with confidence and do not anticipate a high score.
OKC @ SAC: You won’t see the Thunder lose two in a row very often, so the outcome is easy to predict. However, this could go two ways for fantasy purposes. If the Kings are inspired, DeMarcus Cousins stays focused and the score stays respectable, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will be on the floor down the stretch. If OKC is up by 30, and the final 20 minutes is garbage time, bench players will finish up for both sides. Sacramento rookie Thomas Robinson is beginning to make waves, as Jason Thompson is becoming irrelevant. I’m usually a Tyreke Evans supporter, but defensive stalwart Thabo Sefolosha is long enough to slow him down.
UTA @ LAL: It’s a soap opera. It’s a Hollywood disaster movie. It’s Kobe Bryant calling out his teammates, the legendary Pau Gasol taking a back seat to journeyman Earl Clark, and everyone demanding the coach’s head — just like they did with his predecessor. Dwight Howard (shoulder) is doubtful, so it will be up to Gasol, Clark and Metta World Peace to battle the big, strong Jazz frontcourt. I do think Kobe and Steve Nash are likely to outplay Randy Foye and Jamaal Tinsley. If the Lakers happen to win, it will be more because Utah isn’t a great road team than any miraculous turnaround.
The Fantasy Spin is here by 9:00 EST every morning, and the DraftStreet Diary offers daily league advice. Follow me on Twitter — @SheridanFantasy — for updates.